Product information

The LUMIX DMC-SZ8 packs a 12x optical zoom lens and Wi-Fi connectivity into a slim, stylish body. It also features a variety of special effects that add fun to the shooting experience, including Creative Control, Creative Retouch and Creative Panorama.

Optical image stabiliserCapture crisp images and videos. Blurring image due to handshake often occurs in shooting using high zoom, however, the Optical Image Stabiliser minimises it without causing deterioration of image quality.

HD recordingThe DMC-SZ8 records dynamic HD video in 1280 x 720p. Recording motion image can be started with a press of an independent motion picture button on the top of the camera - convenient for switching between photo and video shooting on the fly.

We want you to be happy with your purchase. If you're not, depending on the type of product, you can make free returns in the UK via John Lewis shops, Royal Mail, Collect+, or MyHermes. If you need to arrange collection of large or heavy items, call us on 03456 049 049. For international returns queries, call us on +44 1698 545 454. Find out more about returns.

You'll find returns information on your delivery note. Unless faulty, we'd like you to make your return within 90 days of purchase. Exceptions apply to certain products - find out more about our refund policy.

Q & As

Rated 4 out of 5 by Ros20 Camera for beginners
This is a simple to use camera just point and shoot. Just what I wanted for holiday pictures. Lightweight and small
11 February 2015

Rated 1 out of 5 by VanessaN8 Lumix SZ8 is so dissapointing
I purchased a Lumix SZ8 in July 2014 to replace a Lumix FS16, that was a reliable camera which produced really high quality images every time. Since July, every time I have used the SZ8 camera there is a problem. It is slow to turn on, the on/off button only works if you use your nail to press the button. It isslow to focus, auto focus does not work. Daylight photos are acceptable but low light photos are really bad. I returned it to John Lewis in November, and unable to exchange it for another model, it was sent off to be repaired. The PCB was replaced, but it still has the same problems.
26 December 2014

Rated 1 out of 5 by TJK01 Absolutely gutted we chose this camera.
We had previously bought a Panasonic compact camera and were pretty happy with the overall functionality and picture quality. So we wanted to get a new camera to capture the first pictures of our new born baby and our elder sons first day at school. As we had previously used a Panasonic camera we were hopeful and confident that the new camera would capture the priceless images we wanted to savour. In short this camera is so complicated to use, the auto focus doesn't work and the camera takes far too long to 'setup', which when you are trying to capture spontaneous pictures it ruins the moment. The pictures we have taken of our daughters birth and our sons first day of school are all blurry and it is not the kind of moment that can ever be recreated. We are absolutely gutted that we chose this camera and feel totally distraught that we will never be able to relive those precious moments.
I would seriously consider another camera if you want a reliable, point and press unit.
11 September 2014

Rated 5 out of 5 by revrad Great Camera
Bought as a present for my mum. She loves it; easy to use, image stabilization and lots of features through an easy to use menu.
26 August 2014

Rated 4 out of 5 by craigbhill Good value, quality camera
I bought this for my dad and he really loves it, good picture quality and easy to use
29 July 2014

Rated 1 out of 5 by MuddyBikerUK Very Disappointed
Firstly JL delivery to store was excellent. To qualify the following I am a relatively experienced amateur photographer, owing several compact digital cameras and a Canon DSLR
I have been a fan of Panasonic compact cameras for years, but this model is terrible. It was purchased as a replacement for my previous model which got a scratch on the lens.
The main issue with this camera is the speed, it is slow to turn on, and very slow to focus - indeed focus is an issue in it own right. It commonly incorrectly focuses (or refuses to focus at all), particularly in IA mode.
The button layout is also fiddly. Every time I pick it up I hit the WiFi button, which then has to be cancelled. The charging port cover is so flimsy I can see it lasting very long.
The screen quality is poor, with very large pixel size making the playback of photos look even poorer than they actually are. Noise levels in photos are high with noticeable graining. Low light level photos are particularly poor.
Full bright sunlight photos are fine, but only on par with a decent camera phone.
The wifi functionality to smartphone is useful, but again slow and doesn't permit video transfer ! There are also issues with the auto rotate functionality in this respect, with most photos having to be re-rotated on the phone. I can't seem to connect to my PC using wifi, although that may be a PC / AV issue. The instructions in this respect are useless.
I have never bothered writing a review before, but I am so disappointed with this purchase.
07 May 2014